If your home or business uses natural gas, there's something important you should know. 

The City of Mesa owns, operates, and maintains natural gas pipelines up to and including the meter located outside your home or business.

However, the piping that runs from the meter to your gas appliances — both inside and outside the building — is the property owner's responsibility.

That means any gas lines serving appliances such as:

• Water heaters
• Furnaces
• Stoves
• Fireplaces
• Outdoor grills
• Pool heaters

must be properly maintained by the homeowner or business owner.

Just like plumbing or electrical systems, gas piping should be checked regularly. Look for:

• Visible rust or corrosion
• Damage from landscaping or construction
• Signs of leaks

If you suspect damage or notice a potential issue, contact a licensed professional to inspect and repair the line. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 and 480-644-4277.

If you're planning any project that involves digging — installing a fence, planting trees, adding irrigation, or other yard work — always call Arizona 811 before you start.

Arizona 811 is the statewide one-call center that notifies underground facility owners and operators of planned digging so they can mark their lines.

Even after lines are marked, hand digging is recommended when working near buried utilities.

For more information about natural gas safety, visit mesaaz.gov/gassafety.